Alprazolam was first released by Upjohn (now a part of Pfizer) in 1981.[14]
The first approved use was of panic disorder, and within two years of
its original marketing, Xanax became a blockbuster drug in the US.
Presently, alprazolam is the most prescribed[15] and the most misused benzodiazepine in the US.[16]
The potential for misuse among those taking it for medical reasons is
controversial, with some expert reviews stating that the risk is low and
similar to that of other benzodiazepine drugs.[4]
Others state that there is a substantial risk of misuse and dependence
in both patients and non-medical users and that the high affinity
binding, high potency, short elimination half-life, and rapid onset of action may increase the misuse potential of alprazolam.[10][17]
Compared to the large number of prescriptions, relatively few
individuals increase their dose on their own initiative or engage in drug-seeking behavior.